Peoria, Ill. – Rookie forward Tomas Tatar provided Grand Rapids with the game-winning goal on Saturday, as the Griffins rallied for a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Peoria Rivermen at the Carver Arena. Tatar also recorded an assist on the Griffins’ game-tying goal in the third period, extending his point streak to five games (4-5—9).

With the win, the Griffins improved to 13-7-0-0 overall, and they closed out the month of November with a 7-3-0-0 record (4-2-0-0 home, 3-1-0-0 road).

Following a scoreless first period, Peoria broke the deadlock at 10:34 of the middle frame with a power play goal from Adam Cracknell. From the right point, Jonas Junland unloaded a slap shot that Cracknell tipped off the left goalpost, and past Daniel Larsson for a 1-0 lead.

The Griffins answered late in the second period with a goal by Sergei Kolosov, which came as his first of the season. Jan Mursak made a brilliant drop pass to Kolosov, who rifled a one-time shot from the top of the left circle at the 18:38 mark.

Grand Rapids controlled the third period, and after several quality scoring chances they took a 2-1 lead at 9:37. From close range, Cory Emmerton was denied by Hannu Toivonen on a wrist shot, but Tatar was anxiously awaiting the rebound which he slammed home from the right side of Peoria’s goal crease.

The Griffins held onto their lead for the remainder of the game, and stood strong defensively in the final minute of regulation when Peoria pulled Toivonen for a 6-on-4 power play advantage.

Larsson made 32 saves in net for the Griffins, while Toivonen also turned aside 32 shots in the losing effort for Peoria (10-9-1-2).

The Griffins will travel to Cleveland on Tuesday for a 7:00 p.m. tilt with the Lake Erie Monsters.

Three Stars: 1. GR Larsson (W, 32 saves); 2. PEO Cracknell (1 goal); 3. GR Tatar (1 goal, 1 assist).